Full Breakdown
Sycamore Gap Sapling Stolen from Wray Castle
6/30/2026, 10:49:54 PM
The Incident: Sapling Stolen from Wray Castle
A sapling grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree was removed from Wray Castle near Ambleside, Cumbria. Planted in April 2026, it was taken between 9 June and 16 June 2026, according to Cumbria Police. The National Trust confirmed the theft and appealed for its return.
Background: The Original Sycamore Gap Tree and Its Legacy
The original Sycamore Gap tree, a landmark on Hadrian’s Wall, was illegally felled in September 2023, prompting a national outcry and the conviction of Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham, each sentenced to four years and three months. The National Trust subsequently cultivated saplings from the tree’s seeds as symbols of hope across protected landscapes.
Key Players
The National Trust manages Wray Castle and the sapling programme; Cumbria Police lead the investigation (crime reference CRI10053058); Laura Lee is the Trust’s General Manager for the Lake District; Gavin Capstick heads the Lake District National Park Authority; and St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston partners on the “Branches of Care” wellbeing initiative.
Scope of Re-planting
Seeds from the felled Sycamore Gap tree produced either fifteen saplings planted across the UK’s National Parks (as reported by some sources) or forty-nine saplings grown from the seed collection (according to other reports). The Wray Castle sapling was part of the “Branches of Care” programme, which supports people with illness, dementia or bereavement through nature.
Official Responses
The National Trust described the theft as shocking and saddening, noting that the tree symbolised resilience and renewal. It urged anyone with information to contact Cumbria Police, referencing crime number CRI10053058 and offering an anonymous tip line via Crimestoppers (0800 555 111). Cumbria Police confirmed enquiries were ongoing and that officers were working with the Trust. The Lake District National Park Authority expressed sadness but said the incident does not diminish public connection to protected landscapes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After the theft of the sapling this month, a National Trust spokesperson said: “We are shocked and saddened that a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree that was gifted to the Lake District National Park and planted at Wray in April 2026 has been stolen.” — National Trust spokesperson
- “The spokesperson added: “This tree symbolised resilience and renewal, and its loss will be deeply felt.” — Laura Lee, General Manager, National Trust Lake District
- “Enquiries are currently ongoing and police are working with the National Trust as part of these enquiries.” — Cumbria Police spokesperson
- “ Gavin Capstick, Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “We’re saddened to learn the Sycamore Gap sapling, which was gifted to the National Park Authority and planted in the grounds of National Trust’s Wray Castle, has been stolen.” — Gavin Capstick, Chief Executive, Lake District National Park Authority
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of saplings derived from the Sycamore Gap seeds—some cite fifteen, others forty-nine. CCTV coverage at the Wray Castle site is limited, leaving a gap in visual evidence of the theft.
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigation
Cumbria Police continue to investigate and ask witnesses or anyone with relevant information to report via the online portal (www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it) or by calling 101. The National Trust maintains that the tree’s symbolic value endures and that community support for protected landscapes remains strong.
